On February 10, 2017 the Academy of Information Technology (AOIT) at Carencro High School, an LPSS Schools of Choice program, was awarded 114 Samsung Galaxy Tablets through a grant from National Academy Foundation NAF), corporate partner JP Morgan Chase Foundation. NAF academies all over the United States competed for the grant award, with a total of 750 tablets awarded. AOIT demonstrated how students would use the technology to complete a project that will improve their College and Career Readiness (CCR) skills, during the 2016-2017 school year. The NAF College & Career Readiness (CCR) Skills are embedded in the NAF curriculum and work-based learning resources. Additionally, students will complete a brief project report by June 2, 2017. Select academies will receive a discount on their NAF Next 2017 registration and will present their projects with the technology at the education nonprofit’s annual conference, hosted this July in Dallas.

Claire Trourd, Academy Director for AOIT, is very thrilled about the recognition: “it’s exciting for our students to have the opportunity to use these devices outside of the classroom through collaboration activities with our local business partners, and to bring to life the core concepts they learn in class.” Co-Director Joel Hilbun says, “These tablets give our students the mobility to leave the classroom and apply technology in real world applications.”

NAF works with high need communities to transform the high school experience through an educational design that includes industry-specific curricula, work-based learning experiences, and building relationships with business professionals, culminating in a paid internship. NAF academies fit within and enhance school systems, allowing NAF to become an integral part of a plan for higher achievement at a low cost. NAF academies focus on one of five career themes: finance, hospitality & tourism, information technology, engineering, and health sciences. During the 2016-17 school year more than 96,000 students attended 675 NAF academies across 36 states, including D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In 2016, NAF academies reported 96% of seniors graduated with 92% of graduates with post-secondary intentions.